Anyone good with electronics? Or good at writing software?

[Mr Hammers]

I want to build a training station that will consist of six pads, with an led arrangement and force sensors all connected to a computer that will measure the reaction times, the force and the accuracy of the punch and/or kicks.

Connected via usb to a computer, bespoke software will record and log the details, but will also be programmable so certain combinations of hits can be inputted.

I have my man in India who is working out the electronics side of it, and he says I need Piezoelectric crystal force transducers to do the job, but from what I gather these are hugely expensive, so I went to an electronics site in the US and asked them, and they say I only need accelerometers.

I have next to no knowledge when it comes to electronics unfortunately, so is there anyone here who does know what I really should be using, and where I can buy them (whatever 'them' turns out to be) from?

And lastly, I'm going to need a program written to record the speed/accuracy/force when it's all put together, so is there anyone here who can write a good program if I sketch out all that is required?

I don't have a big budget, but I'm willing to pay for the expertise, btw.

Cheers!
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A Guide To Powerbands

[Cigaro]

I can write you a .NET program to do it.

How would it actually connect to the computer? What sort of controller would you be using to handle the USB side of things?

[The Shaggy D.A.]

You could build a cheap and cheerful version using piezo transducers (89p from Maplin) and the innards of a joystick (or use a dedicated bespoke controller like https://www.leobodnar.com/products/BU0836A/ )

I've built a USB drum pad using that, with a .NET proggy converting the data to MIDI. It's velocity sensitive, so the harder you hit it, the higher the value you get. It's also the basis of my guitar synth. If you want actual speed information though, you will need an accelerometer.
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[Cigaro]

Would say a joypad would actually be a good way to do it as it already has all the analouge inputs you need and is designed to connect to a PC already. AFAIK many people have built computer steering wheels this way.

Give me a shout if you need a hand with the code, wouldn't really be looking to make anything as on second thoughts I don't have the time to develop the whole thing but can give you some pointers.

VB .net (the express edition) is available free from Microsoft.

[stinkwheel]

Accurate, cheap, readily available 3-axis Accelerometer = Wii controller.
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